The United States and Japan might come to Taiwan's rescue if it is attacked by China and they deem intervention to be in their best interests, Defense Minister Yen De-fa has said.

If Chinese military aggression is seen to undermine regional security or international order, "anything could happen, including the United States and countries sending troops to help defend Taiwan," Yen told a legislative committee meeting on Monday.

"Japan is geographically close to Taiwan, so it's definitely possible," he said.